#myDubai Guide Part #4: Back at the Beach!

“The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry”. Thank you, Robert Burns, that’s certainly the case here. What was planned as a 4 part series, #myDubai Guide is now stretching to 5. Let me explain.

In this episode, we’ll finish off Jumeirah, spread our wings through Umm Suquiem and take in a little of Al Quoz and Al Barsha. This would not be a serious guide without them.

In Part #5 we’ll be all over Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina as promised. Until then, welcome to (the amended) Part #4 of #myDubai Guide.

Let’s crack on with where to #eat #drink #explore #shop & #stay.

#eat

With their own fishing boat moored in the harbour, Seaview Restaurant’s morning catch determines the daily menu.

Choose your fresh fish and the cooking method (grilled, barbecued, tandoored or steamed) then leave the cooks to it while you Sit back enjoying the views of the fishing harbour.

A cheeky chablis would be a perfect accompaniment to this fresh seafood experience, alas, Seaview Restaurant is not licensed. They do offer home delivery however so if you’re close by, phone in your order and enjoy a fresh seafood feast with your duty-free vino.

Try fabulous overwater dining at Pier Chic. The menu is seafood focused without leaving meat-eaters and vegetarians hanging. The cocktail bar midway along the pier is a lovely spot for pre and post-dinner drinks.

Instagrammers be on the lookout for incredible views of the iconic Burj Al Arab popping up at Madinat Jumeirah’s many venues.

#drink

Pop your togs in your bag and head to Sanctuary Pool Bar on Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel’s rooftop for a drink and a swim. Daily specials, bar snacks and expansive views of Dubai await. A perfect place to watch the sunset.

Access to Burj Al Arab is not possible without a reservation. So how do you get inside without blowing your budget? For a nosey through the hotel and fantastic photo opps, consider making a reservation for sundowners at Scape Restaurant and Lounge or Skyview Bar.

If you have the discipline to stop at one sundowner 😉 this is a wallet-friendly way of viewing this iconic hotel from the inside.

#explore

Why not learn to sail in Dubai? Dubai Offshore Sailing Club offers short courses for adults and children.

In 2 days you can complete level 1 and find out if sailing is for you.

From Level 1, lessons continue until you can sail solo. Add racing courses, day passage sailing and more in-depth seamanship skills. Dubai Offshore Sailing Club members have access to the club’s boats for day hire.

Not a sailor but still want to get your dose of Vitamin Sea? Surf House Dubai will have you catching a wave in no time. Stand Up Paddleboarding is just as popular so head to Surf House Dubai early for morning sessions with Dubai’s skyline as your backdrop.

Surf House Dubai is currently offering “surfaris” to Sri Lanka and has plans for Morocco and Maldives. What a fun conduit to your next destination.

If you prefer mechanical rather than Mother Nature’s action (and let’s face it, some people do) then jump on a 1500CC Kawasaki Jet Ski to tour Dubai’s coastline. Nemo Watersports offer tours with a certified jetski instructor beginning with a safety and basic skills briefing.

The Flyboard experience also begins with a briefing. Learn how the fly board works and the best ways to manoeuvre it. Life jackets are supplied along with headphone integrated helmets so the certified instructor can coach you through improving your skills.

Day passes, group discounts and combined packages with other Dubai attractions are available. Check their offers here and if you stay at any of Jumeirah Hotel’s properties entrance to Wild Wadi Waterpark is free.

In #myDubai Guide Part #1, we visited the Gold Souk in Old Town on Deira side. The authentic open-air market is definitely worth a visit for the old souk experience.

However, if you’re in Dubai for a special occasion with that special someone and the splurge urge hits then Gold and Diamond Park is the place to go.

Quality stones, craftsmanship and design are guaranteed by certification and valuations supplied for insurance. Purchasing here is recommended over the gold souk in Deira for the attentive service, air-conditioned premises and lack of crowds.

Traditional souk ambience with a contemporary twist, Souk Madinat is a taste of old Arabic retail in modern times. Lanterns, silverware, homewares and fashion are sold from barrows, temporary stands and stalls.

Getting used to smoking a shisha after dinner? You’ll have plenty to choose from to take home. Thinking of updating your living room? There are cushions, throws, side tables and serving trays to remind you of your Arabic adventure.

Hop on an abra and cruise the waterways to the many dining and entertainment venues throughout the entire Madinat Jumeirah complex. Even if you’re not staying here, it’s a lovely place to wander.

Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf’s summer houses take luxury accommodation to the next level. 1, 2 and 3 bedroom villas offer OTT opulence while the granddaddy of them all, the Royal Malakiya Villa includes 3 bathrooms, private plunge pool, jacuzzi, open terraces and butler service in its 644 square metre space!!

With views of Burj Al Arab in one direction and Burj Khalifa in the other, Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel (SMOEH) is conveniently located.

SMOEH is perfect for families with a rooftop pool, spa, dining venues and Mall of the Emirates entertainment and shopping. Mall of the Emirates Metro station is attached giving easy access to the rest of Dubai and the beach is only a 4km cab ride.

Entry level rooms are generous at 35sqm sleeping 4. Off-peak offers are available and if you’re a Starwood Preferred Guest you’ll receive savings and upgrades relevant to your membership tier.

Just in case you have the purse to afford this self-proclaimed 7-star Dubai icon, entry-level Deluxe 1 bedroom suites off-peak begin at around US$1300 per night. In fairness, there are packages including spa treatments, dining offers and free stays for kids but, I know for me, this one is best left to the celebs. 😉

Jumeirah Beach Hotel – Closed until October 2018

All eyes will be on Dubai for Expo 2020. In preparation for this 6-month event, construction and refurbishments are in full swing. Doors are closing, some permanently and others to enhance their beauty.

The wave designed Jumeirah Beach Hotel adjacent to Burj Al Arab is out to impress so they’ve shut up shop to inject new life. Opening again in October 2018 in readiness for their 21st birthday in December, we’re waiting in anticipation for the new Jumeirah Beach Hotel to be revealed.

Finally….

In #myDubai Guide Part #4’s beach dominated area swimwear and beach attire are totally fine, but still be mindful when dining and moving around the resorts.

Religious holidays will affect restaurants and bars opening times and the serving of alcohol. Check the Islamic calendar before confirming your stay.

Getting around.

The Über app works without a hitch, however, if supporting local is important to you, download the Careem app. Careem allows booking in advance, on the spot and fixed priced fares to neighbouring emirates. Join through this link and we’ll both save a few dirhams on our next ride.

Taxis are inexpensive and plentiful in Dubai. The different roof colours indicate specific taxi companies and a pink roof will have a female driver.

Rental cars are reasonably priced in the UAE. Insurance covers all Emirates but if your plan is to cross the border into Oman special insurance is required. Ask about this before booking your car to avoid any misunderstandings.

Im not sure what this says about me, but we would head to the water park (with no kids in tow) instead of the gold & diamond park, oh and the rooftop bar, definitely number 1 on my list! Great tip about the Careen app! Pinned, looking forward to part 5! #feetdotravel

Gold & Diamond Park is a magnet for many Angie but so is Wild Wadi, regardless of age. I’m prone to hang around Alserkal Avenue off and on for fabulous art. I can hardly keep up with all there is to do in Dubai and I live here. LOL! 🙂

I have been interested in visiting Dubai for quite some time and have to admit I have learned a lot from your post. Sometimes you have an idea of how a place is but thru your experiences, I think the place would blow my mind (and my friends are going to hate me ;0)

This is an exceptional Dubai guide and you’ve included all must see things and places there, Shona. I’ve been to Dubai and I loved it. I warmly recommend exploring then Palm Jumeirah Island when being there. Have you visited it?

Shopping is a real thing in Dubai, Sharon and there’s a mall in almost every district so the competition is rife. They have to have entertainment to attract shoppers. Skiing, Aquariums, Virtual Reality, it’s all here. LOL! 🙂

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6 months ago

Guest

John Hislopp

This is a very comprehensive guide..excellent things to see and do in Dubai. Thanks!

Great guide on places to eat and drink in Dubai. I have yet to visit but heard Dubai is the place to go. Now I have some places to recommend and try out myself when I get a chance to visit. The multi-level aquarium at Nathan Outlaw’s Al Mahara looks like the place to visit. Looking forward to your next guide. #feetdotravel

Thanks, Stephanie. Exploring where I live has opened my eyes to so much of Dubai’s offer. My 5th and final guide will be out shortly to complete the series, but as you can see I’ve already had to amend #2 with a restaurant closing. We can always rely on change in Dubai. 🙂

I really like middle east and all countries where Islam created beautiful architecture. Dubai is an interesting exception in many aspects. I have been to so many countries in the middle east but I haven’t been to Dubai yet. Your article will be very helpful if I go! Thanks!

Thanks for your feedback Time Travel Bee. Please have a read of parts #1, #2 & #3 before making your plans. Dubai is so diverse, each area offers a different experience. I will be publishing Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina next. Again, so much to see and do. 🙂

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6 months ago

Guest

Golden Oldies

What a terrific line up of things to do. Dubai is definitely a destination in it’s own right.

I´d love to visit Burj Al Arab and Nathan Outlaw’s Al Mahara! All the places and bars look so impressive. I’ve never heard of Alserkal Avenue Art District – definitely, my kind of place. Also love paddle boarding, would love to try it in Dubai! #feetdotravel

There’s so much competition in Dubai’s hospitality market, Anna, that they really have to try and impress. For every new venue, it feels like another closes so the options change all the time.It sounds like this beach area in Dubai is for you when you visit. Alserkal Avenue is so surprising. The creativity is exceptional. 🙂

Thank Unta! When you begin planning check back and take a look at all 5 parts of #myDubai Guide. They are broken by area and will give you an idea of where most suits you to visit. (part 5 will be out in the next week or so) I haven’t covered desert safaris, ballooning, cycling and hiking yet, but I think I’ll leave that for down the track so if you need any info please contact me and I’ll point you in the right direction. Cheers!

I have been to Ski Dubai before and I think there are much more fun things to do in Dubai as more and more big shopping mall and high rise springing up around the city. Nice to know there is so much great food in the city as well! I would love to go surfing @ the surfing house~ @ knycx.journeying

Surf House Surfaris would be a hoot I think. Also, standup paddle boarding is a lot of fun. Basically, once you’re up and running you can use it as transport to view the skyline. Ski Dubai is pretty popular here in the middle of our summer 😉

This is very detailed and informative! Been to Dubai several times. I’ve always wanted to dine at Burj Al Arab but my wallet won’t allow it. lol. So I will consider your advice and try Scape restaurant next time I visit. Ski Dubai is also awesome! I had a lot of fun there.

You can never get bored in Dubai but it does give the wallet a caning so I try to find ways to enjoy an experience without breaking the bank. It’s not easy at times but sundowners at Scape are a good way to get inside Burj Al Arab. 🙂